Michael Tomko of Boothbay Harbor was one of three recipients who received a “Community Hero Smart Growth Award” on June 11 at the annual meeting of the Friends of Midcoast Maine.

Tomko was nominated by Chip Newell of Boothbay.

The award recognizes members of the Midcoast community who work to further growth and create stronger and more resilient communities, act as an example to the rest of the region and state, and bring positive and lasting change to the community.

Karen Kleinkopf of Damariscotta and Don White of Camden also received awards.

Tomko received his award for his level of participation in local volunteer groups; for his work with the Friends of Midcoast Maine in bringing Dan Burden to Boothbay Harbor for a Walkability Workshop; and for applying for and getting a $2,000 grant to help the work continue.

He also received it for his continuing efforts to better the community of Boothbay Harbor. “It was a wonderful event,” Tomko said. “Then they started giving out these awards and there were two incredible individuals who had done so much … and then she called my name and I was so shocked I just about choked on my Shipyard beer.”

Tomko said he would have had a beer from Boothbay Craft Brewery, but they didn't have any. “We need to make sure they do next year,” Tomko said.

Tomko has been involved in the community since he moved here in 2007 with his life partner, Martha Cowdery.

Currently, he is the chairman of the Boothbay Harbor Planning Board. He is also a member of the executive board of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, the Boothbay Harbor Comprehensive Planning Committee, the Boothbay Harbor Bicycle Pedestrian Plan, Route 27 Corridor Committee and Lincoln County Sea Level Rise Committee.

“I’ve been working with Mike and the Walkability committees, and I just see this passion in him for his community,” said Jane Lafleur, Executive Director at Friends of Midcoast Maine. “He cares deeply about Boothbay Harbor, about making it economically successful while keeping its unique character intact. He is so committed to working with the town, he has such a positive nature – it’s the whole package,” Lafleur said.

“This was an entire and complete surprise,” Tomko said. “I'd like to thank the Friends of Midcoast Maine for recognizing my part in community development & local improvement initiatives,” Tomko said. “This award symbolizes the efforts of many individuals who, like myself, desire positive and sustainable change here in the harbor.”

“I feel that by working collaboratively with our neighbors, business owners, visitors, and town officials, the enthusiasm of a few individuals can be magnified into community-wide and possibly peninsula-encompassing initiatives for energizing the livability and value of this incredible region we call home,” Tomko said.

Katrina Clark can be reached at 207-633-4620 or katrinaclark@boothbayregister.com. Follow her on Twitter: @BBRegisterClark or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BBRegisterKatrinaClark.